Hi All,
I had poster a few days ago a post involving my thoughts on adding a dust collector to my table saw out of the dread of going into the shop anymore for all the cleaning I end up doing. Through all the great responses, suggestions and tips, I’ve decided against the bag filtered collector and opted for the cartridge filter and then add the baffle that David B mentioned…
My thoughts now are focused on the over-arm blade guard/dust collector. I’ve looked through several options since my original post: Pennstate, Exactor, “Excalibur” (Genreal)…I’ve read several reviews mainly between the Exactor and the “Excalibur”. There seems to be a mixed batch of people who love the Exactor or thinks it’s the worst thing they’ve purchased. Where as the Excalibur seems to be a green light across the board with nothing but high praise for it. Looking at the two they seem to be very similar…with the obvious exception of the shape of the actual guard.
If somebody has experience with both or one of the other any “insights” and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all!
Eric
Replies
The reason for the similarity is that Excaliber was at one time either owned or run by Philip J Humphrey. There was a parting of the ways and Philip set up Exactor.At one time Philip owned a woodworking tool shop in Toronto if my memory serves me right.
I have an Excalibur for sale.
I put a router table on the side of the tablesaw; the Excalibur was, therefore, in the way.
If you're interested, send me some email.
I use the Exactor, its does the job it was designed to do but make sure the dust collector system is powerful enough.
I think it was my Post that you're referring to. I purchased an Excalibur in late January. It only took an hour or so to put together... not surprises along the way.
Before I added it, I ran a 6" X 10' hose off my collector, then reduced it to 4" at the tool. This system worked pretty good for several years.
Since adding it, I am amazed at what a difference it makes in my air quality. I never realized how much dust stayed above the TS. If you rip sheet goods, you sill simply love it as it gets almost all of the dust! However, if you rip a lot of thin pieces, that require a push stick, you may find that it gets in the way. Fortunately, it is very easy to pivot out of the way. Heck, you could even remove it in less than 20 seconds.
FWW did a review a long time ago. I am 100% confident in saying that it is outdated. Read the WW forums and form your own opinion.
Myself, I went with the Excalibur for 2 reasons.
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